Advanced oxidation processes using catalytic nanomaterials for air and water remediation

This chapter discusses selected applications of nanomaterials as catalysts in advanced oxidation processes. Prevalent oxidation methods that use nanocatalysts for air and water remediation are photocatalysis, photochemical degradation and chemical oxidation reactions, which can subsequently be divided into various procedures mediated by nanomaterials. Frequently used nanomaterials include metal oxides ? in particular titanium dioxide ? which are often modified to increase the efficacy of eliminating contaminants. The focus of this chapter is given to examples where the toxins for removal include persistent compounds that typically pass through conventional treatment methods unaltered, such as pharmaceuticals, microcystins, toxic metals, and volatile organics. Also included in this chapter is a discussion on the commercialized applications of nanomaterials-based catalysts in air and water purification, and their future implications.